Vitamin D toxicity?
Hi, I have had peripheral neuropathy, mostly sensory changes and balance issues as I age. Nerve conduction studies show non-diabetic neuropathy. I do not drink ETOH. For sure I have lots of degenerative disease in my spine: cervical and lumber. I had also in error (my error) been taking high doses of Vitamin D for a number of months. Since I stopped taking the high doses (50,000 units weekly), my symptoms have improved. I do not know if this is coincidence. It is not the only intervention: I have been doing balance exercises, and have altered my sleeping position (trying not to sleep on my arms) So, I have some improvement in my symptoms but wonder if the neuropathy is related to Vitamin D toxicity in part.
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Re exercises for balance: I used to do Tai Chi (which I liked and it helped) and still do a bit, but found some of the positions challenging my balance. I now do Xi Gong more, and find that a bit gentler for my circumstances. I also try standing on one leg for as long as possible, while balancing with my arms.
Re how long it took my symptoms to improve after discontinue very high doses of Vita D, it took several weeks. I am not without some neuropathy symptoms still: I do have cervical degenerative disease and some mild peripheral neuropathy, but overall have fewer symptoms than before. I suspecrt the aetiology of my symptoms was mult-factorial. I do have a followup appointment in one month with my MD.
John, I think you are the mentor that read referring to Large Fiber Neuropathy that led me to learn about the difference in Small Fiber Neuropathy. The autonomic nervous system started to make sense to me. I too have balance problems but no sensory symptoms. Made it hard to diagnose. My horses don't like it.
Thank you. It is an interesting journey at my age (70's).
I have my D levels checked annually. Fifteen years ago, my D level was 11, which is extremely low. So I started supplementing with 10,000iu, and I was in the normal range after a year. I still supplement with 7,000iu daily to stay in the normal range. It is essential to check your vitamin levels before supplementing, especially the B vitamins, if you have neuropathy. I made the mistake of taking a B complex supplement for years at the suggestion of a doctor without having my levels tested. Now, I am dealing with B6 toxicity (which causes neuropathy), but for me, it exacerbates existing neuropathy symptoms. I have had to cut out anything with B6, even foods high in B6, until my levels reach normal.
Hi,
After the initial booster of vitamin D3 I have been taking 1000IU/25ug per day for thirteen years. I can't say I have noticed any substancial difference other than I no longer get any flue or colds despite my wife bringing them into the house. For B12 I use a suppliment at twice the recommended dose as there was no injectable inventory in this country at the time of my low diagnosis. I now use a single pill to maintain my levels. It certainly makes a difference to me, made me come alive so to speak.
Cheers
go on youtube and search Parkinson's exercises. Got sent there specifically for balance problems caused by weakness in thighs and butt muscles!!
Here's a link to the Power for Parkinson's YouTube channel that has a lot of exercise and balance videos - https://www.youtube.com/@PowerforParkinsons
Yes! That's the ones I use. Forgot the name. Thanks for the reminder.